before 1 of 2

1
as in to
earlier than since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in against
preceding in space the children always insisted on running before their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

before

2 of 2

adverb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of before
Preposition
That gap between training models and real organs has limited how well medical professionals can prepare before entering the operating room. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025 With six women in upstate New York who, in 1846, two years before Seneca Falls…petitioned their state constitutional convention for the right to vote. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Morgan took two days off from throwing before working toward getting ready for the postseason. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025 Did the idea for your own reality show with your sisters come before or after? Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • After Swift’s engagement to NFL player Travis Kelce went public in August, local establishments such as Pursuit Spirits and Ten20 Craft Brewery congratulated the famous couple with cheeky Instagram posts.
    Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Seven of those charged previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and prosecutors moved to dismiss their felony counts.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • European leaders, alarmed at the rise in airspace incursions and the security threat that drones pose, proposed building a drone wall to protect the region’s eastern flank against potential attacks and incursions.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Mark Fleury, policy principal on emerging science and advocacy at the American Cancer Society, said his organization has consistently advocated for additional federal funding to advance the fight against cancer.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Keeping his foot on the gas also means pushing ahead with reforms.
    Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Celebrities have been breaking out their leather pants as of late, providing fresh outfit inspiration for the next few weeks of transitional dressing ahead.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • At Marysol’s party, Adriana is already telling Guerdy that Julia is not a good friend because of what happened between them at her art party in the last episode.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Venture Global is already near the capacity to export 40 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) of LNG between its Calcasieu Pass and Plaquemines facilities.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • In the midst of the life-or-death chaos, Arisu grows closer to Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya), an athletic loner mourning the death of her mountain climber father.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Or the automatic first choice of the models?
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The Lynx, who blew a 20-point third-quarter lead in Tuesday’s 89-83 overtime Game 2 loss, had a defensive meltdown early in the fourth as the Mercury scored the first seven points, including four at the rim, for a 70-67 lead.
    Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Interim manager Ray Montgomery said he’s been impressed with how Adell bounced back from the struggles early in his career.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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